sanderswm

Just curious, does anyone own or will soon own one of these bags? I might end up getting the Hemlock specifically, and I'm not sure if the straps will hold up for me (they look a little thin). I'm looking to switch up my pack for something that is more laptop friendly, currently I have a plain large Timbuk2 with my laptop tucked inside it's own case and put in the bag. Any preliminary reviews would be welcome!

Patricky

get crome coz w/ fixy other brake coz its fix not broken coz w/ crome

Understanding

i don't think the straps look thin at all. Personally, i think you'll be fine no matter which you get, unless you do plan on putting more then your laptop in.

00soul

are you a infant?

sanderswm

No, I only plan on carrying around my laptop and books (the usual college stuff), workout clothes when I bike to the gym. I'm a bit confused by the specs though, it says for the medium that the largest size laptop is 14.50 inches but gizmodo claims the sizes are 15 for small and 17 for the medium. When I get some more money next month I think I might pick up the Hemlock and give it a try. Also, for reference:
Hemlock, Q, Swig in that order

Meepers

the only one i would go with is the Hemlock, bu there is no sternum strap, so that is a deal breaker for me. i am not sure what the hell Patricky is trying to say, but i think he was getting at Chrome. They have some nice bags. if i were to get a new lap top bag i would go chrome (pricey, but it will last you forever) or Crumpler. They both have some nice lap top bags. Crumpler will be cheaper, and those guys like to measure bag sizes in beer, asn well that is always ok with me.

sanderswm

I checked out the Soyuz by Chrome; nice piece of gear. It costs almost double, but perhaps I'll invest in the better bag.

vegipowrd

I was searching the forums and just saw this thread. Any new info on any of the new T2 backpacks? I'm nervous about not having a chest strap, but I like the price. My shoulder is telling me a need a smallish 2 strap bag after years of carrying a shoulder bag. I'd like to hold out until I can pay more for something else, but a good review here could make this an easy decision for me.

Pragmatik

I have a Hemlock getting delivered today. I'll post on the straps. From my understanding, they claim that they don't "need" a sternum strap, but I was concerned about the lack thereof also.

artesc

I have a small hemlock. So far it has been great, not sure what they did, but you don't need a chest strap as long as you tighten the straps up a bit. the straps also feel real solid, not like on some bags where you can feel them flexing and whatnot as you pick them up. Just for reference, I carry a bunch of books/laptop/general crap around in it. My only beef with it is the fact that it can carry so much, that if you stuff it too high you can't tilt your head back when you are leaning forward on your bike. A minor annoyance, but might be significant to some. You basically just have to make sure that the level of the stuff inside the bag doesn't go over the edge of your neck to avoid this problem.

Ask me any questions, I'll try to answer.

Nietzsche

I've had a medium hemlock for a couple months now and I really like it. I have a 15" mbp and it fits just fine in the laptop sleeve. You could definitely fit a 17" in there. It has tons of room, I've fit tires and all kinds of other weirdly shaped things in it.

as artesc said the straps are solid. I haven't felt like I needed a sternum strap at all it's super snug.

sanderswm

I actually ended up getting the Large Banjo Brothers Commuter Bag.

Tons of room, a replaceable waterproof liner, sternum straps/pads, not to mention a nice reflective stripe on the back. I've been using it for a couple weeks not and I love it. If you're looking to bring a laptop you can do what I did and get a decent sleeve for it, then toss it in with the rest of your stuff.

jim-bob

I'm still hoping someone can do a detailed review of the newish reload midpack or one of the bailey backpacks. Don't let me down, bikeforums.

cc700

one year later, i got hip to the jibe.



just got it today but ran three or four errands and hauled a BIG camera in it. love it. comfortable and secure. this is the older one, so it's not as feature packed or whatever but it'll be pretty bombproof i'm sure.

oldfixguy

I got my Swig delivered a few days ago so wanted to post up. Bottom line is this is a very good bag with plenty of amenities. Sierra Trading Post is almost giving these away (especially if you have a coupon) so if you need/want a backpack style bag I highly recommend taking a look. I have the orange/brown, medium Swig. It looks good. Not gaudy but visible. I like. There are plenty of little pockets to organize your wallet, pens, ipod, cell phone (if you want to carry it inside the bag) etc.. Again, plenty of organizing pockets without being overkill. The straps at first touch feel too thin. Almost flimsy. But, they turned out to be very and I do mean very comfortable. I hauled some groceries home yesterday and the bag took it like a champ. Felt comfortable, stable with no strap bite-in. My 17" laptop fit in the sleeve with room to spare. Slides in smooth and stays put. What else can be said about a laptop compartment. The bag is large but not huge. Even the pictures out at T2 make the bag look like you could haul a dead body around. You can't. Plenty big but not enormous. I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs. So, I'm neither the smallest or the biggest kid on the block. There are no peripheral vision issues at all. When I look over my shoulder the top of the bag is sort in the fuzzy peripheral. It blocks out nothing. The only dig I have is that it does not come with a little key lanyard. No big deal as I got one of those bungy key holders at the dollar store and clipped it to the inside zipper pocket pull tab. Easy. Construction is bullet proof. Typical T2.

cc700

people should know that the sierra trading post bags are last year's model and do not include a side access zipper for the laptop compartment. i was disappointed when i realized this.

otherwise i agree 100%... the bag is bombproof, comfy, and well appointed. great size, and i'm 5'8" 135lbs so i'm inclined to say it really fits a range of people.

oldfixguy

cc700,

Do you mean the little, hidden zipper on the right hand side? Mine has it. I don't doubt that Sierra has last year's model mind you. After all, they're a liquidation shop. But honestly, I have the little zipper. It's on the inside portion of the side panel at the bottom. The bag has a center piece and side panels on the back. Check where the sides meet up with the center. I think you'll run across it. Not that I'd use it for something I actually planned to get to with it on as it is really tucked in there. But, some extra cash or whatever - sure.

cc700

yeah that's the 'you can put your weed in there' pocket... i'm talking about the full length zipper on the newer models at the seam on the actual side of the bag. just look at some of the T2 videos for the swig, they show it.

oldfixguy

cc700,

Ah, the laptop zipper. Yes, right you are, sir. That is a nice touch that is not on my (our) bag. Nice to have for sure.

TheBikeRollsOn 

Does anyone know if the main compartment of the hemlock is waterproof? I read a review saying it wasn't but I also read on their website that they use a pvc-free liner that IS waterproof on their bags, but didn't specifically say the hemlock. I'm really interested in buying this bag but this may be the deal breaker.

Also, people who are using it to carry books to school and whatnot, how much of a hassle is the roll top when you are only carrying a few things? Like having to unroll the top every time you need to get something?

TheBikeRollsOn 

Another question, for those who can compare, how big of a difference in size is the M Swig and the S Hemlock. I'm thinking I may go with a Swig for the Waterproof feature and easier access to books and things... I'm still not sure though. Convince me people...

driveblind

Has anyone seen the Q (any of the sizes) in stores yet? My wife thinks she really wants one, but would like to actually see it before plunking down the money.

buckfifty

i had the medium hemlock but i returned it. the length of the roll top is too long and is annoying to open and close. also, the material isn't completely waterproof. the straps are thing, but curved in a way to be supportive. not sure how well they are with weight in the bag.
i went with chrome and got the ranchero instead. much more satisfied and the straps are much nicer and have great padding. if you want to try out the bags, go to zappos. they have a no hassle return policy that is also free

buckfifty

i had the medium hemlock but i returned it. the length of the roll top is too long and is annoying to open and close. also, the material isn't completely waterproof. the straps are thing, but curved in a way to be supportive. not sure how well they are with weight in the bag.
i went with chrome and got the ranchero instead. much more satisfied and the straps are much nicer and have great padding. if you want to try out the bags, go to zappos. they have a no hassle return policy that is also free

sensez

I have the Hemlock.

First real backpack made for carrying; largest load ive carried is: a 12 pack of beer and 7 lb bag of ice... with room to spare...

IMO great bag. Havent tested the waterproofability...

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